San Jose Jazz Summer Fest

Founded in 1987, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is a region-wide non-profit organization that contributes to a vibrant arts and entertainment scene in downtown San Jose by offering over 120 free live music programs each year. Living up to its reputation as one of the biggest Latin festivals in the nation, the 23rd Annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest’s “Women in Latin Jazz” lineup featured eight female-led bands performing at the Castellano Family Foundation Latin Stage. Artists included songstress Maria Marquez singing Latin American compositions, multi-instrumentalist/ percussionist Jackeline Rago performing songs influenced by her native Venezuela, and Monica Fimbrez co-leading the ensemble Santos Perdidos as they played Afro-Cuban standards and jazz, among others. All of the performers are based in the Bay Area and tour internationally. CFF grants have supported the inclusion of Latino artists and performances at this festival and other creative venues throughout Santa Clara County.